Sandhurst breaks duck in BDCA

SANDHURST won its first game of the Bendigo District Cricket Association season on Saturday when it chased down White Hills’ 269 for the loss of just four wickets.

Set up by an opening partnership of 132 between century-maker Andrew Bourne and 15-year-old Isaac Conway, the Dragons posted 4-292, passing their target with two overs to spare at Weeroona Oval.

White Hills didn’t take its first wicket until the first over after tea as Conway and Bourne laid the foundation for the Dragons’ win.

In just his fourth first XI innings, Conway made the most of his opportunity to open the batting, scoring 56 off 159 balls (seven fours) before he was the first wicket to fall in the 55th over when he skied a sweep shot.

Bourne batted through until the 76th over as he posted his second century for the Dragons, making 108.

Bourne faced 242 balls and hit 14 boundaries and one six, with his innings ending when he was caught by Travis Colley at mid-wicket off Daniel Larke.

The game looked set to go down to the wire when the Dragons required 48 off the last 10 overs, but innings’ from captain Nick Scullie (66 n.o.), Shane Robinson (20) and Brenton Jones (19 n.o.) ensured Sandhurst passed its target.

Scullie – who started his innings in the 64th over with the Dragons 2-160 – faced just 62 balls in compiling his unbeaten 66, hitting eight boundaries.

Larke (2-53) was the only multiple wicket-taker for White Hills, which is yet to record a win ahead of a tough assignment against reigning premier Strathdale-Maristians next round.

● Bendigo United opening batsman Mark Di Fede made a stunning return to form as the Redbacks returned to their familiar position in the top four.

Having made a pair of ducks in his first two innings of the season, Di Fede put his ordinary start behind him as he scored his maiden first XI century for the Redbacks against Strathfieldsaye at Harry Trott Oval.